Walk down Magazine Street, if you are a magazine enthusiast, but the street is lined up with more than just that like book shops, bakeries, cafés, restaurants, gift shops, jewelry shops, home décor, and a lot more in the six miles long street.
New Orleans, Louisiana is quite different from hustling America and has a vintage touch to it. You will end up admiring the vintage iron balconies or the French architecture and the soothing nature.
10 Best things to do in New Orleans
Orleans was capital of French territory from early 18th century till early 19th century before it was handed over to the United States. You will still get insights into the French living and style at places like joie de vivre, the Frenchmen Street, the French Quarters or at Jackson Square.
Here we have shortlisted 10 best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. and you certainly have to check them out.
1. French Quarter
French Quarter is the city’s historic heart and the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans, Louisiana. French Quarter, also known as ‘Vieux Carre’ is lively all-round the year and is a great hangout spot. You can simply stroll around to experience a few of the enthralling one-of-a-kind sights and enjoy at the cosy cafes.
Although now a U.S state, the city still has the last bit of French left within it that you can see through this beautiful neighbourhood in New Orleans. It’s amusing and pleasant live on-street music.
You can’t escape amusement in the streets. If you like jazz, you will end up spending the whole evening here. You can also buy souvenir or small and interesting gifts or just walk and follow Mississippi riverfront.
2. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a park in New Orleans, spreads over an area of 2.5 acres. It was built as a part and to beautiful the French Quarter in 1721. Renamed in 1815 after General Andrew Jackson, who also served as the 7th President of the U.S from 1829 to 1837. This historic park also houses his sculpture, beautifully done by Clark Mills.
The park was built in the first-place overlooking the Mississippi riverbank but now the view is obstructed with tall buildings. You will be awe-struck with the 18th century buildings standing next to the north-side of the park, the area used to be the heart of colonial-period.
A few movies and T.V shows have also been shot in Jackson Square, New Orleans. The streets hustle with budding artist selling on-spot portraits and street vendors. You will find a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants for your snack after spending the afternoon in the Square.
3. Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is located in uptown, New Orleans and it is spread over a vast area of about 58 acres. The zoo houses around 2,000 animals that are more suited to the humid climate of Louisiana. Built in 1914 and named after a local artist and naturalist John James Audubon.
You will be able to see Asian elephants, gorillas, Orangutans and tigers. Apart from these you will be also able to spot crash of Rhinoceros, giraffes and other animals. The main attraction is the unique white alligator and the swamp exhibit.
The zoo also organizes a few recreational activities for children, in summers.
Do not confuse it with the park that shares its name with Audubon Zoo. Another attraction is the Butterfly garden near French Quarter, you will be amazed to see around 50 exhibits.
4. Afternoon Food History Tour
Something you can definitely not miss out. The town has rare and authentic dishes to offer and you can savour it all afternoon. Whether you are in town for vacation or business, this tour is highly recommended. From big restaurants to small cafes or street food, you should give it all a chance, we are sure you will not be disappointed.
Café du Monde, established since 1980s, is unique coffee house owing to its 24*7 services, and offers the best donuts in town. A traditional coffee type “au lait”, is a popular choice but you can experiment from their long menu.
5. National WWII Museum
The National WWII museum, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA will walk you through the war, it’s after effects and the brave men that fought and laid their lives. It will give you a very humbling experience.
The museum will give you insights to American side of the war, on display are medals and other items belonging to war vet among other things.
Make sure you visit it in the early afternoon, the museum closes every day at 5 p.m.
6. Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras is one of the oldest traditions kept alive even today. The Mardi Gras World is home to a huge collection of attractive yet quirky and off-beat costumes. The company was established in 1984 by the Kern Studios keeping in mind to let tourists and even locals have an insight into the float-building, tradition all-round the year.
It has been a major tourist attraction in and around New Orleans.
In there you can ask the staff to let you try a costume, although it might be difficult to choose one and meanwhile get insights to the Mardi Gras traditions. You may also lay your eyes on the proposed costumes for the upcoming Mardi Gras day or see the latest sculpting. It is situated just next to Morial Convention Centre along the Mississippi riverfront.
7. Natchez Steamboat Cruise
It is as thrilling as it sounds in your head. Also a great romantic spot with jazz playing in the background and a grand buffet, touring the Mississippi waters. You can choose from the tour package according to your preference. You will end up sending couple of hours.
One of the fun and most exciting things to do in New Orleans, is to get a ride in the Cruise. Just so you know this happens to be the only steamboat in New Orleans and still functions in the traditional way.
8. StreetCars
Streetcars otherwise commonly known as trams are rare these days, but you will come across fully functional trams in this town. These have been functional since the 1830s and have been an integral part of New Orleans ever since. You can use this mode to commute from most parts of the town.
The dark green streetcar, St Charles Avenue line is a line that has been in service for the longest time ever in the U.S. railway lines. That now enjoys the status of a historic landmark.
Although they were heavily damaged and thrown off-track when hurricane Katrina rampaged through the area but was restored in the same year.
You can get your ticket to board this and get a ride from St. Charles Avenue that will take you throw tunnels and stunning antebellum mansions on to the end of street’s margin. The rides cost less than 2$ for each passenger.
9. Audubon Park
We have talked about a Zoo and Aquarium named Audubon named after a renowned local artist and naturalist, the Park too is named in his honor. This is a hit spot for not only tourists but the townies as well.
Some of the trees date back to plantation days, around 1880s. During the civil war the area was originally used for Buffalo soldiers before being approved to be a park for public recreation much later.
The park overlooks the Mississippi riverfront and the view will leave you awestruck. A calm and soothing place to hang out and reminiscent the older times. The place also boasts of hosting the 1884 world fair, World Cotton Centennial.
10. Airboat Tours
The swamp tours are more than basic tours, they are fun and packed with adventures. When in New Orleans, this is a must for adventure seekers. You might also come across the rare albino alligator.
The Airboat tours, Louisiana are family and kid-friendly. You can also book your tickets online, before-hand.
Conclusion
Although erroneously affected and a lot was destroyed in the city when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the city is back on its feet and it thriving even more. The city still has the small-town yet classic essence to it. When in town you will find yourself touring the historic aspect visiting the museums as well as discovering Louisiana’s wild side.